topic Re: Ethernet v wifi in Full Fibre

Ethernet v wifi

archaeopteryx — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:34:32 GMT

I'm considering moving to full fibre at home, but I'm not sure how this will affect the internet connection on my PC. Instinctively I'd want to use ethernet, but this would mean a *very* long (and unsightly) cable from the router to the PC, so I was wondering if anyone can tell me how good a wifi connection is likely to be? I should add that I live in an old house with fairly solid walls.

Thanks.

Re: Ethernet v wifi

jab1 — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:38:16 GMT

How are you connected currently?

Re: Ethernet v wifi

archaeopteryx — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:41:07 GMT

Good point. One of those "through the electrical cable" plugs, then ethernet.

Re: Ethernet v wifi

jab1 — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:45:42 GMT

As Full Fibre only changes the way the signal is sent to your property, your current connection should continue to work. The only thing that changes within your house is the connection of the the incoming cable - it comes through an ONT, rather than the master socket. Although Ethernet is always the best way.

Re: Ethernet v wifi

MisterW — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:47:11 GMT

@archaeopteryx what speed Full fibre are you considering ?

What model homepugs do you have ?

Re: Ethernet v wifi

archaeopteryx — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:48:46 GMT

Thanks, that's good to hear. I asked because I thought I'd read somewhere that the electric cable things didn't work with FTTP. Glad to hear otherwise!

Re: Ethernet v wifi

MisterW — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:52:41 GMT

They do work but may restrict the speed somewhat, depending on the model

For instance the 1000AV will actually max out at around 150Mb in real life

Re: Ethernet v wifi

bmc — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:58:54 GMT

@archaeopteryx

With FTTP there is a bit of leeway as to where the internal Optical Network Terminater (ONT) is situated although it does need to be need a power source. The router also connects by ethernet cable so can go anywhere you're happy to run cable.

Are you currently fed by overhead or underground copper cable?

As you state, ethernet is always better than WiFi. Once the ONT is in place it might well be worthwhile getting someone in to run ethernet cable about the house to provide solid starting points at any given location and is future proof. Not the cheapest option and might need some decoration afterwards but with Full Fibre speeds it might be worthwhile. I often suggest going external to get a cable upstairs but potentially cound be used to go "round the house"

Brian

Re: Ethernet v wifi

mystreet1 — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:59:01 GMT

Is it possible to change the location of the ONT to be nearer the computer?
You will need 2 power outlets for it, 1 for the ONT and 1 for the router.

Re: Ethernet v wifi

jab1 — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:01:16 GMT

You will need 2 power outlets for it, 1 for the ONT and 1 for the router.

Or, like me, a multi-gang adapter.

Re: Ethernet v wifi

archaeopteryx — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:24:16 GMT

@bmc By "copper cable" do you mean phone line? If so, then it's overhead (from a pole just across the road).

The current phone point is just inside the front door, so to get an ethernet cable to my PC would involve running through two rooms, up the stairs and across the landing, then into a third room. Not something I'd care to try myself, but as you say it might be worth getting a pro to do it. Not sure what to search for though - is that a specialist company, electrician or...?

Re: Ethernet v wifi

mystreet1 — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:38:18 GMT

@bmc beat me too it, and with a better and more detailed explanation

Re: Ethernet v wifi

bmc — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:40:26 GMT

@archaeopteryx

Don't worry about running ethernet cable until you have FTTP in. Until you know the location of the ONT then you don't have a starting point.

The main question at the moment is - are you happy with the current location of the router? If not, where would you consider a suitable location to be - front room for example (for WiFi coverage). With things as is, they may be able to use the existing entry point for the fibre. Anywhere else needs a new hole drilled in the wall.

As mentioned there is a certain leeway with the location of the ONT - it's the art of the desirable against the possible. A good installer will always try and work with you.

Apart from the ONT you also get a Customer Splice Box (CSP) on an enternal wall. As it's an overhead feed then the cable gets brought down to near ground level before being run into the house. It potentially could be run along the outside of the house before it comes down. Unfortunately you don't know until the day of install.

As for ethernet cabling, electricians are probably your best best but if going external then you might find a TV arial fitter who's diversified. Also there may be specialist computer cabling compnies. External cabling would be terminated in ethernet wall sockets.

Brian

Re: Ethernet v wifi

mystreet1 — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:41:51 GMT

@jab1, so an adapter that has 2 (at least) power outlets!

Re: Ethernet v wifi

jab1 — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:44:30 GMT

@mystreet1 Exactly - I have a 4-gang one plugged into one of the sockets on a twin-socket plate.

Re: Ethernet v wifi

archaeopteryx — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 19:38:56 GMT

Thanks to everyone - this has been really helpful.

Re: Ethernet v wifi

Baldrick1 — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:13:30 GMT

@mystreet1 wrote:
Is it possible to change the location of the ONT to be nearer the computer?

There is no need to have the ONT near either the router or a connected computer. You can have up to 100m of CAT5e interconnecting any of these units.

Re: Ethernet v wifi

pvmb — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 09:18:37 GMT

@archaeopteryx wrote:

I'm considering moving to full fibre at home, but I'm not sure how this will affect the internet connection on my PC. Instinctively I'd want to use ethernet, but this would mean a *very* long (and unsightly) cable from the router to the PC, so I was wondering if anyone can tell me how good a wifi connection is likely to be?

Snap! (Except that currently FTTP is not available where I am, but I am thinking ahead...)

The answer seems to be: It's complicated.

https://community.plus.net/t5/Everything-else/Wi-Fi-Adaptor-query/td-p/1985720

Recently been trying out my newly acquired TP-Link AC1300 'Mini Wireless MU-MIMI USB Adaptor'. Back on four feet of Ethernet cable, for now.